"He wasn't trying to get it in order to shoot you."
Jason made no answer and the school-master repeated:
"He offered to fight you fist and skull."
"I was too mad—but I'll fight him now."
"Boys don't fight in the presence of young ladies."
Gray spoke up and in his tone was the contempt that was in Marjorie's eyes, and it made the mountain boy writhe.
"I wouldn't soil my hands on you—now."
The school-master rebuked Gray with a gesture, but Jason was confused and sick now and he held out his hand for his pistol.
"I better be goin' now—this ain't no place fer me."
The school-master gravely handed the weapon to him.